Galangal (Alpinia galangal) steam distilled, Indonesia

Galangal, also known as Lesser Galangal, or Galanga, is a relative of Ginger which can often be found in Thai cooking. It is native to China and southeast Asia, but was brought to Europe by the Arabs. The 9th century mystic Hildegard of Bingen attributed many properties to Galangal including curing heart pain, and called it the “spice of life.”

Galangal root contains the chemicals 8-cineol, eugenol, careneole, pinene, galangin, quercitin, and tannins.

This highly flavored root stimulates metabolism and warms the body. It is also antibacterial and antifungal. It is excellent for colds, flu, chills, and fatigue, and dizziness. I always use it when I’m coming down with a cold, to take away chills and body aches.

Galangal also has a reputation for being an aphrodisiac, probably due to its warming, stimulating effects.

Always dilute your essential oils in an unscented carrier oil like Sesame or Jojoba. Do not take essential oils internally. Always store essential oils out of heat and sunlight. Keep essential oils away from children and pregnant women.

All information in this description is copyright Kamala’s Own LLC. Please ask for permission to reprint it. This description is not medical advice and the information herein comes from personal experience, research, and folklore. If you believe you are ill, consult an M.D. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, prevent or cure any medical condition. Nothing here has been evaluated by the FDA.